question_answer 50)

  Are the nucleons fundamental particles, or do they consist of still smaller parts? One way to  find out is to probe a nucleon just as  Rutherford probed an atom. What should be  the kinetic energy of an electron for it to be able to probe a nucleon? Assume the diameter of a nucleon to be approximtely  m.                

Answer:

                  Yes, the nucleons (neutrons and protons) are fundamental particles. To resolve two objects, say nucleons separated by distance d, the wavelength  of probing signal must be less than or equal to d. As d = 10-15 m, therefore to detect separate parts, if any, inside a nucleon, the electron must have a wavelength  and Kinetic energy,  joule